Tomato leaves can tell you a lot about the health of the plant. Changes in color, spots, curling, or yellowing are signs of diseases, pests, or nutrient problems. Identifying these issues early helps you protect your crop and get better yields. Below is a simple guide on the six most common tomato leaf problems, their causes, and how to treat them effectively.
1. Early Blight (Fungus)
This fungal disease is caused by Alternaria solani and mostly affects older leaves near the bottom of the plant.
Symptoms include dark round spots with circular rings that look like a bull’s-eye. The leaves turn yellow, dry up, and fall off. It spreads quickly in warm and humid weather between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius.
To treat it, remove and destroy infected leaves. Avoid watering on the leaves and always water at the base. Spray copper-based fungicide or Mancozeb every seven to ten days. Rotate crops every two to three years and space plants at least 45 to 60 centimeters apart for better airflow.
2. Septoria Leaf Spot (Fungus)
This is caused by the fungus Septoria lycopersici and is common during wet seasons.
Symptoms include small round spots with dark brown edges and gray centers, appearing first on lower leaves.
To control it, remove infected leaves and spray with copper fungicide or neem oil once a week during wet weather. Water early in the morning and only at the base of plants. Keep the garden clean and free from weeds or old plant remains.
3. Magnesium Deficiency
This is a nutritional problem caused by a lack of magnesium in the soil. It is common in acidic soils or areas with heavy rainfall.
Symptoms include yellowing between green veins on older leaves while the veins stay green. Leaves may also curl upward.
To correct this, dissolve one tablespoon of Epsom salt in one liter of water and spray on the leaves every week for two weeks. You can also apply about 100 grams of Epsom salt per square meter to the soil. Keep the soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Avoid using too much potassium fertilizer as it reduces magnesium uptake.
4. Bacterial Speck
This is a bacterial disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae and mostly appears in cool, wet conditions.
Symptoms include small dark raised spots with yellow halos on the leaves, stems, and fruits. The leaf surface may look oily or greasy.
To control it, remove and destroy infected leaves. Spray with copper-based bactericide weekly, especially during rainy weather. Avoid working on plants when they are wet. Always use certified, disease-free seeds or treat your seeds with hot water before planting. Rotate crops with non-tomato crops like maize or beans.
5. Late Blight (Fungus)
This serious fungal disease is caused by Phytophthora infestans and spreads very fast in cool, humid weather.
Symptoms include large dark brown or black patches on leaves and stems. White mold often forms on the underside of leaves in wet conditions. The fruit may develop dark, greasy patches.
To manage it, remove and burn all infected plants. Spray fungicides such as Mancozeb, Chlorothalonil, or Metalaxyl every five to seven days. Avoid overhead watering and keep the garden clean and well ventilated. Ensure good drainage and avoid planting in low, damp areas.
6. Spider Mites (Pests)
These are tiny insects that suck sap from leaves and multiply very fast in dry, hot conditions.
Symptoms include small yellow or white dots on leaves, fine webbing under leaves, and leaf curling or drying.
To control them, spray the plants with clean water to wash off the mites. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap every five days until the problem reduces. Increase humidity around the plants and introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs that eat spider mites. Avoid using too many chemical sprays because they kill good insects.
General Prevention Tips
Always water early in the morning and avoid wetting the leaves. Use mulch to reduce soil splash that spreads diseases. Clean and disinfect tools before and after use. Rotate crops every two to three years with maize or legumes. Space tomatoes at least 45 to 60 centimeters apart and keep the rows about 75 to 100 centimeters apart. Check your plants every day and remove any diseased leaves early. Feed your plants with balanced organic fertilizers and compost to keep them strong.
By observing your tomato plants closely and taking quick action when you see any signs, you can prevent major outbreaks, keep your plants healthy, and enjoy a good harvest.
— dreck
Your professor’s Teacher.
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